Monday, June 6, 2016

BFI: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Watching Steven Spielberg's classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind
(Director’s Cut)” was a unique experience. Firstly, the theater itself
made a lasting impression. The the theater was not like your typically movie
theater. The theater was classy and upscale; while serving alcoholic drinks. The
large soft red chairs made the viewers feel privileged to be watching this film.
Because it was my first time seeing the film, “Close Encounters of the Third
Kind,” I unfortunately could not compare it to the past versions. Through research I learned that the Director’s Cut
version is arguably the best of the three. Although I am not a huge

sci-fi fan, I am a fan of Steven Spielberg so I was excited to watch one of his originals.

The film begins in Mexico with researchers interviewing an old Mexican
man with half a burnt face. This is foreshadowing what will later happen to
Roy. The burn on individual’s serves as a physical and mental imprint.
The individual’s who are burned are greatly effected by witnessing the alien
spaceship.

I would argue that the most significant moment of the film is when Roy
and Jillian first laid their eyes on the research/ communication station behind
Devil’s Tower. This is the climax of the film because this is the moment Roy
and Jillian have been waiting for. Although, they both still have unanswered
questions, they are finally gaining some answers and realizing they are not
alone in their curiosity. Roy has been mysteriously drawn towards Devil’s Tower
and risks his life several times in order to get there. In the beginning of the
movie Spielberg makes it clear that Roy is irresponsible and essentially a
deadbeat dad. He pays little attention to his children and fails to help his
son when he asks for help with his homework. His neglect is shown again at the
very end of the film when Roy does not hesitate to board to mothership and
abandon his wife and children. I find it bizarre that Roy becomes so obsessed
with aliens that he leaves behind his family and identity just because of the strength
of his curiosity. Though this is not your typical “happy ending” film, both
characters achieve their goal; Roy gets to embark on a journey on the
mothership, and Jillian finally gets her son back. Overall, I greatly enjoyed
the film and believe it will remain a timeless Spielberg film.